Metformin use may increase hospitalisation in COPD with diabetes, says study
Taiwan: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and COPD who are using metformin should be aware of pulmonary risks associated with its use, suggests a recent study in the journal Scientific Reports. According to the study, metformin use was associated with higher risks of hospitalization for COPD, bacterial pneumonia, and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).
The respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with coexistent T2D and COPD have not been studied well. Fu-Shun Yen, Dr. Yen's Clinic, Taoyüan, Taiwan, and colleagues compared the long-term respiratory endpoints of metformin use and nonuse in patients with T2DM and COPD.
The researchers enrolled patients with T2D and COPD from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Program between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. The main outcomes were hospitalized bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), IMV, and lung cancer. In total, 20,644 propensity score-matched metformin users and nonusers were assessed.
Key findings of the study include:
- The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of metformin use relative to nonuse for bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, NIPPV, IMV, and lung cancer were 1.17, 1.34, 0.99, 1.10, and 1.12.
- Metformin use also exhibited significant dose-response relationship with respect to the risks of bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, and IMV.
- Consistent results were found in the sensitivity test.
"This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that in patients with T2DM and COPD, the use of metformin was associated with higher risks of pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, and IMV. If patients with COPD use metformin, vigilance with regard to their pulmonary condition may be required," concluded the authors.
The study, "Respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
